Palmer (2021)

I'm the first to say we should not judge a book by its cover and yet I almost skipped Palmer because of its poster. I didn't even bother reading the synopsis, I just decided it was not worth seeing on its poster alone. Thankfully, I stumbled on a review that made me reconsider my decision because this Apple TV+ original turned out to be a powerful, emotional, and heartfelt drama. 

The film tells the story of Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake), a former football star who moves in with his grandmother Vivian (June Squibb) after serving twelve years for attempted murder. Palmer, as he likes to be called, naturally struggles to readjust to society but eventually manages to find a job as a janitor at an elementary school.

In the meantime, Vivian takes in Sam (Ryder Allen), a gender non-conforming boy who lives in a trailer next door with his drug-addicted mother Shelly (Juno Temple) and her abusive boyfriend (Dean Winters), as Shelly yet again decides to take off unannounced leaving her son behind. 

When Vivian suddenly dies, not knowing where Shelly is nor when she is coming back, Palmer is forced to become Sam's guardian and, after a rocky start, Palmer strikes up an unexpected friendship with Sam. It doesn't come without its challenges though as Palmer not only has to deal with the town's prejudice against him but with boys at school bullying Sam for his feminine personality.

While the story is simple and doesn't break any new ground as it deals with familiar themes — the unlikely friendship, the relevant social issues, second chances —, what director Fisher Stevens does with it is terrific. Because Palmer isn't the kind of film that screams its message of family and acceptance at its audience; it is the kind of film that conveys all of its meaning through the characters and their emotions, through silences filled with anger, and pain, and guilt, but also hope and strength. It is the kind of film that takes its time, slowly developing the friendship, bringing us on the same journey as the characters.

Despite the compelling and heartwarming story, the characters are the part of Cheryl Guerriero's screenplay that stand out. A quiet, gruff and rather self-centred man, Palmer grows to be caring towards others, he acknowledges his mistakes and tries to make amends. And, most important, Guerriero never makes excuses for Palmer's actions. Sam is just a delight. He is this sweet kid who just loves princesses, dolls and hair clips, and doesn't get what the big deal is. He doesn't really care about what others think, he just wants to be himself. And the character is also handled very well as it's never used to promote an agenda. 

The performances are also great. While Juno Temple is scaringly convincing in the role of Shelly, and Alisha Wainwright does an incredible job in the role of Sam's teacher Maggie, it's the leading duo that completely make the film. Charismatic as usual, Timberlake does a terrific job in the role and, while it's not Oscar-worthy as he has the same expression most of the time, his performance is genuinely moving and touching, and conveys Palmer's emotions while keeping the drama grounded. At his debut, the young Ryder Allen has great screen presence and gives a very natural performance throughout, stealing our hearts in the process, and the chemistry he shares with Timberlake is just wonderful.

Ultimately, Palmer is a charming film about love and self-acceptance that handles its heavy subject with care and so much heart.